In the beginning of October we travelled to the Peneda-Gerês National Park for the first time. We visited Mata da Albergaria, known for being an old and well preserved forest.
When we approached the forest we saw various invasive species (including Robinia pseudoacacia, Ailanthus altissima, Ipomoea acuminata,...) Acacia spp. covered great extensions of the landscape making an almost impenetrable barrier. I felt truly disappointed. I don't know if there are already efforts to contain the invasive species...but it is urgent.
Everything changed when we reached Mata da Albergaria. I could see what I was looking for: an amazing place with many native species. Finally, the oak trees, mainly Quercus pyrenaica and Q. robur, the beautiful Pinus sylvestris, the Ilex aqualifolium with its red and very abundant fruits...The Hedera species were in bloom and an impressive number of insects (lots of Syrphidae!) were flying around it.
We could even see Vipera latastei! Unlike Vipera seoanei, that in Portugal has its distribution almost confined to Gerês; Vipera latastei can be found in various regions along the country. Well, despite that, I never had the opportunity until now.
When we approached the forest we saw various invasive species (including Robinia pseudoacacia, Ailanthus altissima, Ipomoea acuminata,...) Acacia spp. covered great extensions of the landscape making an almost impenetrable barrier. I felt truly disappointed. I don't know if there are already efforts to contain the invasive species...but it is urgent.
Everything changed when we reached Mata da Albergaria. I could see what I was looking for: an amazing place with many native species. Finally, the oak trees, mainly Quercus pyrenaica and Q. robur, the beautiful Pinus sylvestris, the Ilex aqualifolium with its red and very abundant fruits...The Hedera species were in bloom and an impressive number of insects (lots of Syrphidae!) were flying around it.
We could even see Vipera latastei! Unlike Vipera seoanei, that in Portugal has its distribution almost confined to Gerês; Vipera latastei can be found in various regions along the country. Well, despite that, I never had the opportunity until now.
